Forgiveness..more than just a Word!

Hello my Dear Friends!

I pray you are blessed and doing well!  If you are struggling, I pray for the Lord's peace upon you!  Take heart; sorrow may come in the night, but JOY comes in the morning!

If you have kept up with my blog, you will have noticed that my latest post was full of joy, love, and hope.  I am so grateful for those precious moments when God reveals himself in the beauty that is LIFE.  However, life can often bring forth pain, sorrow, confusion, and hurt right alongside the love, joy, hope, peace..and so on.  How is it that in a blink of an eye, everything can change?

Consider what I am about to say with an open mind and heart to receive not the truth I speak, but rather the truth our Loving Father has revealed to me these past few days.  My heart is heavy, and I have so many things on which I want to write, but one word sticks out in my mind...FORGIVENESS.

Sadly, I am finding that more times than not that the people closest to me and those whom I love dearest, are those that hurt me the most.  My family and friends are often the most unforgiving and judgmental people.  Furthermore, within the body of Christ, whether at a church or any assembly of fellow believers, the amount of strife, finger pointing, and grudge holding is depressing.  How is it that a people who claim to love, honor, and follow the teaching of Christ are the most frequent offenders?  Is it because we know each other so intimately?  Why then do we use that personal knowledge to hurt instead of heal?

Please!  If someone has an explanation, I would like to hear it!     

How is this lost world (that's headed to Hell in a hand-basket) to see and know Christ if his "tools" are dull and useless?  How is the salt and the light of the world supposed to "light and preserve" if it is dim and flavorless?  Matthew 5: 13, "“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."

This is what has burdened my spirit for so long!     

Forgiveness....as I mull over this word, I realize how little I truly know about the powerful meaning behind forgiveness.  In today's society, it is a word rarely and loosely used as a meager attempt at a "half-hearted" apology.  When we hurt someone, whether intentionally or purposefully, we plead for "forgiveness" without really understanding the premise behind our request.

Think of it outside of the word's standards and rather, look at it from another perspective...God's!  The Bible is VERY specific on forgiveness and on how it is given and received.  Furthermore, it is more than just  loosely used vocabulary, but instead a life style and attitude.

Wow!  Let's look at a few verses.

Colossians 3:13 says, "Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." 

In Matthew 18:21, Peter asks a very good question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”  Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."

Lastly, perhaps one of the most popular verses regarding forgiveness is when Jesus is on the cross.  In Luke 23: 34 Jesus says, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

Consider for a few moments what a monumental display of love Jesus showed with that request! 

Now, before you get all offended and start offering reasons for why some things are "unforgivable," STOP!  If Jesus could truly (and without reservation) forgive those who arrested him, beat him, mocked him, and killed him, You are NOT above extending forgiveness!  This may sound mean...but sometimes the truth hurts...

GET OVER YOURSELF! 

I recently talked with a dear friend of mine about forgiveness.  In our discussion, I relayed my hurt in having lost a friend of over ten years.  In a flash, a solid, unbreakable bond was reduced to ashes.  My lost friendship was due not only to a lack forgiveness, but a lack of honesty on the part of my "betrayed" friend.  What started out as an honest misunderstanding turned into a session of "you did this and that," often referencing events that transpired years earlier.  Never once, however, had my hurt friend mentioned her issues at the time of the supposed "offense."  When I attempted to point out that issue, she brushed it off and told me to stop making excuses for my actions.  According to her, the damage was not only done but irreversible.   

The story doesn't end there!      

I was left with a feeling of total loss as if having just suffered the worst breakup or a death.  I lost a part of myself that day when my friend stormed out of my life.  Not only did her accusations hurt, but the manner in which is was done was painful.  My character was not challenged in person but rather over EMAIL!  She couldn't even say it to me directly..a slap in the face!  

Despite my attempts to remain calm, I can say with much disappointment that I did not handle it the way Christ has shown in the Bible.  I immediately returned her "laundry list" email with a rebuttal fit for the courtroom.  In my hurt, I threw my own accusations in her face, saying things I'll forever regret.  I agreed to sever the friendship, closed out the email, and even removed her from Facebook. 

 Immature! I know..you can say it!!  

Nevertheless, God wasn't about to let it end there.  Over the next six months after the "breakup," He revealed to me the error of my ways.  As I read over the verses I shared earlier, I suddenly understood how poorly I had represented  Christ in my response.  I was immediately convicted of my sin and sought to contact my friend.  

Matthew 5: 23-24 says, "Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift." 

I had no business making any requests of the Lord until I had humbly sought and extended forgiveness.  Whether my friend forgave me was not my concern.  Letting her know that I bore no ill towards her, acknowledged my wrongs, and truly extended forgiveness was my only mission!

Long story short..we reconciled to the point of forgiving one another and resuming some form of communication.  Our close friendship is over, but our hearts are at peace with one another.  In the end, that is all that matters!

This happens between believers and non-believers alike.  Our human nature, horrid as it can be, rears its ugly head at the worst and most inopportune times.  Our pride is our greatest enemy and the most powerful tool the Deceiver uses against us.

DO NOT believe the lies that "You have every right to strike back!  He hurt you first, so he must hurt more by the time you're done.  He doesn't deserve forgiveness!"

Lies!!!  ALL LIES!!!  None of us DESERVE forgiveness, but Christ GAVE it anyway as a GIFT! 

If you have learned ONE thing from what I have written, please hear this!!! "Pride comes before the fall."  If your pride is keeping you from being honest with those you love and even those you don't love, then be prepared to live a VERY lonely life!  Forgiveness isn't easy (it goes against our human nature)....SO WHAT!  The most precious things in life are the ones for which  you must work the hardest!!!  

What hurts the most about my lost friendship, is not perhaps the words shared, but how they were shared.  They were not shared face-to-face, and they were a culmination of years worth of resentment.  My "friend" clearly showed no respect or love towards our friendship or myself to be HONEST enough with me during the times I supposedly hurt her.  It is like punishing a child six months after he lies, or cheats, or steals.  It doesn't do any good!     

Imagine that!!!  

 Please, please, PLEASE!  Prayerfully consider this if you are experiencing something similar to what I have shared.  Forgiveness is liberating and healing for ALL parties involved.  If Christ forgave so freely..What's Stopping You? Relationships and love take EFFORT!  It means stepping outside of yourself and your personal desires and needs!  It means bearing an attitude of selflessness! Don't throw away relationships like trash, but instead regard them as precious jewels to be treasured!    

God Bless and Much Love!!! <3      

              

        

Where Does My Heart Beat Now?

Hello to all my beautiful (and handsome) friends!  I pray you are doing well and are blessed!  Wow! Nearly two months since my last post...I am seriously slipping.  This summer has been one filled with adventure, and I wouldn't change one moment!

In a world often inundated with hate and sorrow, there is ONE thing that still reminds us that good still exists.  What might that be you ask?  Easy..think really hard...YEP you've got it!  

LOVE!  

When all seems amiss, LOVE makes everything right once again.  Whether it is expressed in words or actions, engagements or weddings, birth or death...LOVE is present one way or another.

This season in particular has been one OVERFLOWING with love for my friends and family.  I have witnessed FIVE weddings just between the months of May and August.  Seriously....a lot of love happening here!  I just adore weddings and everything about them.  My favorite part, however, is when the bride and groom first see one another as the bride makes her way down the aisle.  I love to watch the groom's facial expressions change from anxiety to wonder.  

His joy in seeing the love of his heart coming towards him is priceless...and it gets me every time!

As I reflect on the beauty of weddings and the pure, unadulterated love on display-it got me to thinking.  If man and woman can love so deeply, how much greater is Christ's love for us?!?  Think about it!  Weddings and marriages are a common theme within God's Word.  In fact, it appears at least 14 times between the Old and New Testaments.

One of my favorite verses, Ephesians 5:25-27 says, " Christ gave himself up for her,  that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."

Christ is the PERFECT bridegroom.  Having relentlessly pursued and wooed His bride; He displays love and affection until her heart is completely captured.  In a boundless and unbreakable bond of devotion, the bride and her groom are wed amid much celebration.  This is an image of Christ's sacrifice for us upon the cross and His gentle but relentless pursuit of our heart and soul.  Once we are joined with Christ through Salvation, our bond is unbreakable, and we are joined with Him, just as a husband and wife come together in earthly matrimony.  

Furthermore, God's LOVE is perfect in the fact that he gave us his most precious gift..Jesus.  We all know these verses well.  John 3:16-17 says "For God SO LOVED the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that WHOSOEVER believes in Him, shall NOT perish but have eternal life.  For God sent not his son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world may be SAVED through Him!"   

Wow!  How awesome is our God who loves us SO PERFECTLY!

As I pray for these five new couples, I also pray for my future husband.  As a single woman, marriage is often on the forefront of my mind.  I won't lie to you...it isn't always easy seeing all my friends getting married.  My heart yearns to be joined with my soul mate, and I can't help but doubt my time will indeed come!  However!  God reminds me His timing is PERFECT, and He should be my first and only delight if I am to truly know how to love and delight in my husband.  

For all you single women and men...continue to pray for your future spouse.  Bring them to the feet of our Heavenly Father.  Trust fully in His perfect plan!

For my newlywed friends, may God bless your marriages and lives together.  May you seek His wisdom in all you do.  May you show each other the same love Christ shows you!  Love much, laugh often, and live fully!  God Bless you all! 

To those of you who have been married for a while, take a moment to show your spouse how much they mean to you.  The small things often mean the most!  Thank God for bringing you your best friend and for blessing your years together!! 

For my single friends...keep praying and trust in God's plan!  Your time will come!! 

God Bless!  Much love for you all!!!! <3 

                

A Symphony!

Hello my Dear Friends,

It has been quite a while since I have last written, and quite a bit has happened.  I am taking the time to simply rest in the beauty of God's creation. 

 Take a moment to stop and truly LOOK!  

The greatest, most detailed artwork is ALL around you!  The brightest of colors, the purest smells, the loveliest sounds.  It is the perfectly painted canvas and masterfully composed symphony.  Your life in itself is God's greatest artwork.  In Psalm 139:14, David writes, "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;  your works are wonderful,  I know that full well," and in Genesis, when God was creating the earth and man He saw that "it was GOOD."

A Symphony 

In the twilight hours...

I hear the wistful sigh of the breeze

The soothing song of the crickets

The babbling murmur of a stream

All joining to compose a symphony

In the midnight hours...

I hear the piercing wail of a newborn babe

The insurmountable joy of a mother's tears

The uncontainable pride of a new father

All joining to compose a symphony

In the twilight hours...

I hear the majestic chimes of wedding bells 

The hearty congratulations to the newlywed couple.

The melodic blending of new love

All joining to compose a symphony

In the midnight hours...

I hear the shuttering final breath of the dying 

The wracking sobs of those left behind

The heavenly rejoicing of the Angels 

All joining to compose a symphony

All joining to compose a symphony...

Of majestic Creation

Of miraculous Birth

Of chaotic Life

Of peaceful Death

All joining to compose a symphony...YOU!

TKH

God Loves YOU So Much!!!  

Please, take the time to get to know Him intimately!!! You are His GREATEST JOY!!!  He loves you so much!  He willingly gave up His only Child as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.  Can you imagine what that is like?  Would you willingly give your child as a sacrifice for a bunch of people you don't know?  I don't think so!  But God did, because He DOES know you!!  I am going to share Psalm 139 with you in its entirety, because it is beautiful!!

PSALM 139

You have searched me, Lord,

    and you know me.

 

You know when I sit and when I rise;

    you perceive my thoughts from afar.

 

You discern my going out and my lying down;

    you are familiar with all my ways.

 

Before a word is on my tongue

    you, Lord, know it completely.

 

You hem me in behind and before,

    and you lay your hand upon me.

 

Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

    too lofty for me to attain.

Where can I go from your Spirit?

    Where can I flee from your presence?

 

If I go up to the heavens, you are there;

    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.

 

If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

    if I settle on the far side of the sea,

 

even there your hand will guide me,

    your right hand will hold me fast.

 

If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

    and the light become night around me,”

 

even the darkness will not be dark to you;

    the night will shine like the day,

    for darkness is as light to you.

For you created my inmost being;

    you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    I know that full well.

 

My frame was not hidden from you

    when I was made in the secret place,

    when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

 

Your eyes saw my unformed body;

    all the days ordained for me were written in your book

    before one of them came to be.

 

How precious to me are your thoughts,[a] God!

    How vast is the sum of them!

 

Were I to count them,

    they would outnumber the grains of sand—

    when I awake, I am still with you.

If only you, God, would slay the wicked!

    Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

 

They speak of you with evil intent;

    your adversaries misuse your name.

 

Do I not hate those who hate you, Lord,

    and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

I have nothing but hatred for them;

    I count them my enemies.

Search me, God, and know my heart;

    test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

    and lead me in the way everlasting.

All you have to do is accept the GIFT of Salvation.  You don't have to earn it; nor can you.  Man can do nothing by his own strength to "get into Heaven!"  The war for your soul has already been waged, fought, and WON!  

I pray you are Blessed today in ALL you do!!! 

<3       

Worthy, I am Not, but Grateful am I!

Hello dear friends!

My joy for writing is perhaps displayed best when I can expand the styles in which I present my various muses.  I decided to switch things up just a bit and present my thought for tonight through poetry.  I was listening to a message the other day about God's abounding Grace and Mercy-both which are undeserved and impossible to earn!  Sometimes, as Believers, we needlessly stress ourselves out trying to "earn" God's approval, love, and blessings.  In case we've forgotten, WE CAN'T.  Jesus would not have come to Earth, shared His ministry, suffered, and died on the cross.  But!  He did!  Yet, even though we know this "intellectually," our hearts struggle to connect with this absolute TRUTH!  Jesus' sacrifice is a GIFT.  You don't earn your Birthday or Christmas gifts, and you don't deny receiving them!  So why!  WHY!!!  Why then, can we not freely and readily accept the ultimate gift of ETERNAL LIFE!!   Think about it, pray, and meet God in His Holy Place.  Draw near to His Love and Tenderness.  You don't have to be perfect-frankly you can't despite how hard you try.  So give up trying to be something you're not.  Let God IN, let God LOVE, and let God HEAL!!!  Ephesians 2:8-9 says it best, " For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast."

Worthy I am NOT! 

Worthy I am not of your love!

In my broken spirit I cry out,

Jesus take this cup from me!

My sin is what nailed you to that Tree,

Your love is what let you die for me!

Your loved poured out in tears and blood,

Washing my sin in a cleansing flood!

Worthy I am not of you love!

Ashamed I run far from you.

Knowing not else what to do!

Like a lover, you relentlessly pursue,

To bring me back to you!

Prone to wander and leave the one of love,

You knowingly watch from above!

Worthy I am not of your love!

Determined to win my heart through gentle grace,

You teach me how run life’s lengthy race!

When the day comes and my life is o’er,

You guide me safely to the Golden Shore!

My tears are dried, my pain is gone,

And I am filled with heaven’s song!

                                       <3 TKH

Take comfort in knowing the battle called life has already been fought and won for you!  "JESUS paid it ALL, ALL to HIM I owe.  SIN had left a crimson stain, HE washed it WHITE AS SNOW!"

God Bless! <3  

Mama! You gave LOVE to Me!

This is going to be a short post, but I felt I had to write! 

I wanted to take a moment to praise God and thank Him for blessing me with my precious Mother!  Today Mom, I celebrate YOU!  I know I don't tell you nearly enough how much you mean to me, or simply speak the words "I love you!"  

What most of you don't know, I am adopted.  Nearly 21 years ago, I was brought to America when I was 4 1/2 years old and literally placed into the arms of the woman who would guide each of my steps.  At the time, I knew her not and wanted nothing to do with her.  But!  I cannot imagine my life without her, or a better friend with whom to share my joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures!  God knew what He was doing when He gave you to me and me to you!  You are one of my greatest gifts and miracles! 

I also want to thank the woman who gave me life.  I don't know you, and more than likely-I never will.  But, you too are in my heart today and always.  Your selfless love is what allowed you to give me up in order to provide me the best chance at a fulfilling future.  I read your letter of love often, and if I could thank you face-to-face, I would--with a hug!  Perhaps one day, I'll see you in Heaven, and I'll get to thank you in person.  Until then, I pray you are Blessed, that God is the center of your life, and that you have been blessed with more children-my brothers and sisters.  I didn't always understand why you made the choice to let me go, but I can only pray, if placed in the same situation, I would love as profoundly as you! 

To all of the mothers in the world here on earth and in Heaven, may you be celebrated, cherished, and remembered today.  For those of you reading this blog, take a extra moment today to let Mom know what she means to you!  

May the Lord Bless you and Keep You!  May His face shine upon you and give you Peace! And, be Gracious unto You!  Amen! 

<3  

 

God is GOOD ALL THE TIME!!!

Hello again!

I haven't much time to write, so I am going to get right down to business!

We live in a nation and era that seeks and desires to distance itself from any and all connection to God or Christianity!  

There I said it!  

It wasn't an instant change, but rather a long, gradual journey.  It started in 1962 and again in 1963 when the Supreme Court banned public prayer in schools in an attempt to keep church and state separated; while, viciously trampling and misinterpreting the 1st Amendment.  

The First Amendment (Amendment I) to the United States Constitution, prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion, impeding the free exercise of religion, abridging the freedom of speech, infringing on the freedom of the press, interfering with the right to peaceably assemble or prohibiting the petitioning for a governmental redress of grievances. It was adopted on December 15, 1791, as one of the ten amendments that comprise the Bill of Rights (Cornell University).

Instead of upholding our right to freedom of speech and religion, the Supreme Court sought to separate itself, in order to not appear favorable towards one certain religion.  In the process, however, we as a nation have become overly tolerant of literally everything, but completely intolerant of anything relating to God, Jesus, and Christianity.  

Hypocritical and a gross double-standard! 

   We told God "we don't need you anymore!  We can do it ourselves.  You're obsolete!"

In the past decade, at least, our nation has recently suffered heart-wrenching, mind-blowing tragedies that have left us all say "how? and why?"  Fear and doubt consume our every thought--our faith shaken!  Anger, at the injustice, flairs within our very core.  We shake our fists angrily, swearing revenge on those who performed these acts of violence.  

We ask "Where was God when all of this happened?  How could He let such terrible things happen to good people?"  

While I understand this is a natural reaction, I am often frustrated to the point of fury at these accusing questions.  Why is it when trials occur, we question God's presence?  As if, only when He's watching, are things peaceful and serene.  It's as if society/man-kind is suggesting God is only partially present and partially cognizant of what occurs here on Earth.  In case we've conveniently forgotten, Earth IS God's creation and EVERYTHING IN, ABOVE, AND BELOW IT is His as well!

Remember!  When God spoke EVERYTHING into existence, He saw that "It was GOOD." 

Romans 8:28 says "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  Now, let's get something straight!  This verses does NOT suggest that God causes unfortunate events to happen to people who don't believe it Him.  If you're thinking it...Stop it Right Now!  

How is it we can go about our daily lives, successfully ignoring our need for God, but when something terrible happens, we ask why He wasn't there to stop it. We cannot have it both ways.  Matthew 6:24 says, "No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money. (insert your own god here-sex, fame, etc).  Furthermore, Exodus 34:14 says, "You must worship no other gods, for the LORD, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you."  Although He is a Jealous God who wants ALL or NOTHING, He is also not going to force you to believe and trust in Him.  He will pursue you as a lover pursues his mate-gently and lovingly. The decision, however, is ultimately yours. That, my friends, is the gift(or sometimes a curse) of FREE WILL!  

When people ask, "why did God allow this to happen?"  I want to shake them and say, "THIS ISN'T THE WORK OF GOD!"  God is not bad-EVER, and He never causes tragedies to happen.  Satan, however, is VENGEFUL!  He is EVIL!  He seeks to destroy EVERY good and perfect blessing God bestows on His people.  1 Peter 5:8 says, "Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour." Satan doesn't care what damage he causes-as long as it draws people away from their faith, causes them to doubt, and leads them down a path of self-destruction!  

When tragedy strikes-STOP BLAMING GOD!  It's not like you paid attention to Him before you "needed something from Him."  Like I've said before, He is not a vending machine where you can place a "Dollar worth of Faith and Obedience and receive a Five pound Chocolate Bar of Blessings!"  

You MUST choose! 

I want to end on this one verse.  Please, commit it to memory; for God's promises are NEVER broken. 

 Deuteronomy 31: 6 "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” 

May you be blessed this week, but more importantly~A blessing to others! 

Much Love <3 

  

God Changed the Dream I Dreamed!

Good afternoon!  I pray you are all well and enjoying the gorgeous Spring weather!!!  Finally!

How many of you struggle with self-doubt or rather doubt about the path your are taking in life? 

Have no fear, you are far from alone!  And I promise, it doesn't last forever!  In recent months, I have come to find joy in trusting the Lord's perfect plan.  Joy, however, wasn't always the emotion I experienced or even displayed to my friends and family.  More frightening was the hit my prayer life and walk with God suffered as a result of my unbelief.  In fact, there were times when I was simply miserable. 

As a somewhat recent college grad, having completed undergraduate studies in 2010, I was excited to take on the working world.  As an Education major, I had hopes and dreams of changing the world through teaching.  Graduating not long after the recession, jobs were scarce.  Quickly realizing my dreams were falling apart, I desperately scrambled to obtain several substitute positions which were a hot commodity for jobless teacher hopefuls like myself.  A year passed and no still no jobs.  Determined to not give up on my four and a half years of hard work, I remained a substitute teacher for yet another long year-each day a challenge and a blow to my faith in my plans for my career-optimum word being MY. 

It has been said "The best way to make God laugh is to tell Him your plans."

Although the above quote is meant to be light-hearted, it speaks volumes to human nature.  Even as Christians, we struggle with accepting the plans God has placed forth.  We often fall into fits of screaming, whining, and crying when we don't get our way-therefore, enacting the childhood learned skill of throwing a temper-tantrum. 

Come on!  You know we're all guilty of throwing at least ONE "grown-up" temper-tantrum.

The Devil loves these moments-when we are distracted with our own desires, and God has been placed on the back burner.  It was in those moments, I believed his whispered lies. 

"You're a  disappointment . You've wasted so much time.  You're life is going nowhere.  Give up now, because you're a failure." 

How many of you have battled with lies similar to these?  Beware!  If not addressed, the damage can be monumental!

As I cried to God, complaining about my seemingly desperate situation, I heard His still small voice say,

"Peace, I give to you.  Not of this world, but My Peace." 

I desperately hung on to those words, repeating them over and over again.  It was then, Proverbs 3: 5-6 came to mind.  It is my favorite verse!  

 

God opened up my heart and healing tears of relief flowed down my face! God has spoken clearly to my heart-reminding me once again that He is FOREVER FAITHFUL!! 

I wish I could tell you that all of a sudden everything came together, and my greatest dreams were fulfilled.  But, it doesn't work that way.  God is a God of miracles, but He is most certainly NOT a vending machine.  We can't put in a "dollar-value" prayer and get a five pound chocolate bar of success in return.  However, my Lord did start moving in my life-both physically and more importantly-spiritually!!  As I began to seek God's will in my life, I noticed His constant provision and direction in ways I had previously chosen to ignore. 

I won't lie and say that the whispers of the Deceiver didn't momentarily creep back into my mind.  But!  I can tell you God was quick to remind me of His unfailing LOVE and FAITHFULNESS. 

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Two and a half years later, my dreams of teaching have not been fulfilled.  However, through the loving patience of my Father, my dreams are changing, and God is busily opening up new doors and opportunities!  I have a full time job as a manager at a local Barnes and Noble, and I love the people with whom I work.  They are truly like my second family, and I am blessed to have them!  I am also currently working on getting accepted into Grad School and hope to start my studies in December of 2013.  I have found that traditional teaching is not meant for me, but God is and will continue to use my love for teaching and people in ways that far exceed my dreams! 

Have faith my dear brothers and sisters!  The pain may last for a night, but JOY comes in the MORNING!!!  Tell the Devil to take a hike!  Our life in Christ is not free of challenges, heartache, and doubt, but it is FILLED with the promise of His steadfast LOVE.  He remains with us even when we wander away, and He'll be there with open arms when we run back!!  Seek Him through prayer and supplication, and His Holy Word! Hold fast to His promise given in Jeremiah 29:11, another favorite verse of mine.  

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." 

The Bible is our guidebook-use it as your map and survival guide for life!!

How wonderful it is to SERVE the LIVING GOD!!! I pray you are blessed!!!

<3